Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House

Nov 4, 2026 · Eric McDaniel

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speaks during a press conference on election night with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at a hotel in Washington, D.C.

As speaker, the New York Democrat would be second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president. He has vowed to focus on affordability and holding the administration accountable.

(Image credit: Alex Wong)